by Tiff -

SCI Superstar: Tresa Honaker

Teresa “Tresa” Honaker, of Grass Valley, California may have only been paralyzed for 2 1/2 years, but she’s already made history as the first wheelchair aerialist. A lifelong dancer and gymnast who became passionate about aerial performing later in life, she founded the aerial group Air Aligned in 2002 to foster her new love.

An injury however two years ago while doing the very thing she loves the most – experimental aerial work on silk ropes – injured her, taking away her ability to use her legs and forever changing the way she does aerial work (keyword “changing,” and not taking away).

Tresa’s now back at it, and she’s learning how to do what she loves in a brand new way. Read on to see how Tresa is balancing her new life with her life’s passion. Read this entry

by Tiff -

DIYs by Spinal Cord Injured Folks We Love, Pt. II

So many DIYs (do-it-yourself), so little time; that is the theme of all of the awesome homemade videos being made by people with spinal cord injuries. They can sometimes make what they need, and save a bunch of money in the process. We’ve profiled some awesome DIYs in the past, and we’re at it again.

In this installment we’re profiling some impressive custom wheelchairs, as well as an art project almost anybody can do at home (and definitely something fun to do over the winter).

If you’re looking to save money, these are the videos you want to watch. Read on for three brand new DIY videos to hit the web from people with spinal cord injuries. Read this entry

by Tiff -

SCI Superstar: Barry “Bazza” West

Barry “Bazza” West, a C4 quadriplegic from Framfield, UK, may be the most active quadriplegic in the world. With no movement below the shoulders, he’s racked up an impressive list of extreme sports he’s done since his injury.

Mouth darts, downhill skiing, flying with just his head, kayaking, skydiving, paragliding, SCUBA diving, mountain climbing, even trimming bushes using a robotic arm, Barry refuses to waste time he still has on Earth. “We have only one life,” as Barry likes to say, and he definitely lives by his words.

Above all, Bazza is an unforgettable motivational speaker who’s all about “getting cracking” with life; a mindset we absolutely love. Read on for the absolutely awesome story of Barry West

by Tiff -

Spinal Cord Injured & Grilling: How to Stay Safe

Everybody loves tasty grilled food, but for many people with spinal cord injuries, they get too worried about burning themselves and just don’t even bother. Barbecue and paralysis may not be two peas in a pod, but they can coexist safely, and that is the purpose of our end-of-the-summer post.

You don’t have to live in fear of your grill any longer. Our videos will prove you can use your grill without burning yourself. All you need are a few handy tricks, like the right grill to purchase.

In honor of Labor Day, we present you with three of our best barbecue videos. Read this post

by Tiff -

Paralyzed by Falling Tree, 22 Year Old Sam Schroth Becomes Ms. Wheelchair America 2015

Newly crowned Ms. Wheelchair America 2015 Sam Schroth, 22 years old from Appleton, Wisconsin, is new to the wheelchair game. She was injured less than two years ago in a freak accident just before she was about to move onto her secondary studies.

But the thing about Sam – she’s one of those determined individuals who despite being a paraplegic couldn’t sit still for long. Not only did she win Ms. Wheelchair America as a newbie paraplegic, she’s switching gears with her studies and is moving onto an even more prestigious degree.

A farm girl at heart with the courage and the drive you would expect, check out our newest SCI Superstar – Sam Schroth. Read this entry

by Tiff -

Wheelchair Maneuvering in a Crowd

rock concert

Wheelchairs may be incredibly handy devices, but in one area they completely fail is getting through crowds. Wheelchairs are low to the ground and square, meaning they’re terribly difficult to get through crowds full of tall upright beings.

The main reason being is well, people rarely look down and notice us. It’s a terrible state of affairs, and you don’t have to be in a wheelchair long to experience this. Just spend 5 minutes in an area thick with humans and you’ll see just how invisible we are (to some).

Unfortunately…this means anywhere that’s crowded – concerts, festivals, work events, school events – we have a tough go at it. But there’s good news. We can learn how to get through a crowd without being frazzled.

To become a connoisseur of crowds on wheels, check out our three videos. Read this entry

by Tiff -

SCI Superstar: Claes Hulting

Considered by many as the Christopher Reeve of Sweden, Claes Hulting since his injury has dedicated his life to promoting enhanced rehabilitation and research of spinal cord injuries. And what he’s created, Spinalis, a cutting edge rehab facility in Sweden, is admired around the globe.

Being the founder of an amazing foundation is just one thing Claes is known for too. He’s also a physician (he worked as an anesthesiologist before his injury) and is in the history books for being the first person with a spinal cord injury to have a child via in-vitro fertilization (a son who’s now turning 18!).

To learn more about a man who can be credited for helping thousands of people with spinal cord injuries live healthier and fuller lives, this is the story of Claes hulting. Read this entry

by Tiff -

How to Get Dressed When You Can’t Stand

There are a lot of things you can’t do when you can no longer stand or walk. Skipping is definitely one of these things. Getting dressed on your own however is one thing you can do, and it can be done well. It just takes a little bit of practice and a handful of panache.

In spinal cord injury terms, anyone with a spinal cord injury from the C6 level and below should be able to do it. We’re not saying it’s easy. In fact, getting dressed is one of the hardest things to relearn post-injury. Knowing the tricks that are out there are huge in learning how to do this as well.

To help you with your getting-dressed journey, here are three videos sharing some awesome tips. Read this entry

by Tiff -

SCI Superstar: Jenny Addis

Don’t be fooled by Jenny Addis’ sweet smile and gentle demeanor, or even the fact she’s a Midwestern lady from Wisconsin. A quadriplegic for nearly 20 years, Jenny is one of the loudest trailblazers in Wisconsin’s disability community.

The founder of “This Is How We Roll” fashion show, a fundraiser for spinal cord injury research, as well as an outdoors lover who won the 2011 National Park Service Award for her work on creating accessible trails in Wisconsin, Jenny’s wheels barely rest and that’s exactly how she likes it. Read this entry

by Tiff -

Wild Hobbies of High-Level Quadriplegics

Many like to think that quadriplegics who’re paralyzed from the neck down can only paint with their mouths or watch movies for fun, you know…basic things, but boy are they mistaken.

Technology, from electricity to combustible engines, have opened up a whole new world to people with this high-injuries, and it just keeps getting better. We’re talking sidecars on motorcycles, stunt kites and lots more. Nope – these guys don’t take life sitting down.

Get ready to be amazed by three videos we’ve specially chosen, showcasing rare and amazing hobbies of high-level quadriplegics. Read this entry